1H Hydrogen

Year Discovered


Discovered By

Henry Cavendish of England

Biological Rating

Necessary for all life.


Named from the Greek words meaning “water forming”, hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, making up nearly 75% of all matter. It is a very light, colorless, odorless gas and is highly flammable.

Biological Benefits


Role in Life Processes

Percentage Amount in the Human Body: 10%


Most hydrogen is obtained from a reaction between methane gas and water. It also is produced by the reaction of water and metallic iron at high temperatures. Hydrogen also is obtained from the electrolysis of water. Hydrogen is present in many minerals as a component of water.